Today in Tribe History: April 9, 2000

2000 – The Indians improved to 4-2 on the season behind an offensive eruption on the way to a 17-4 victory over the Devil Rays in Tampa Bay, but not everyone enjoyed a good day at the plate.

Leadoff hitter Kenny Lofton was 2-for-4 with four RBI, courtesy of a two-run triple and an RBI double. Omar Vizquel added two hits and five runs batted in over five at bats with a sacrifice fly, a two-run single, and a two-run double. Sandy Alomar, Roberto Alomar, Manny Ramirez, and David Justice each had a pair of RBI and the younger Alomar, Ramirez, and Justice homered in the route.

While most starters in the lineup enjoyed pummeling the Tampa Bay pitching staff, Jim Thome was not so lucky. He stepped to the plate six times in the game, walking once and striking out five times.

Bartolo Colon earned an easy win, his second in as many starts this season, with nine strikeouts but five walks scattered over six innings.